46 GARDENING INDOORS AND UNDER GLASS 
the evening. In either case, however, withhold 
water until the soil is beginning to get on the “ dry 
side’ and then water thoroughly. Water should 
be given until it runs down through into the saucers 
but should not be allowed to remain there. 
Sometimes it will be beneficial to moisten the 
foliage of plants without wetting the soil. Just 
after repotting and in fighting plant lice, red spider 
and other insect enemies (see Chapter XVII) this 
treatment will be necessary. A fine-rose spray on 
the watering-can may be used but a rubber plant- 
sprinkler costing about sixty-five cents, will 
be very much better, as with it the water will 
be applied in a finer spray with a great deal more 
force and to either the upper or under surface of 
the leaves —a point of great importance. 
Plants growing in windows, where the light 
strikes them only, or mostly, from one side, should 
be frequently turned to prevent their growing one- 
sided. 
Also do not hesitate to use knife, scissors and 
fingers in keeping them symmetrical and shapely. 
One of the greatest mistakes that amateurs make is 
in being afraid to cut an ungainly or half leafless 
branch. Instead of injuring a plant, such pruning 
frequently is an actual benefit. 
If neglected, dust will quickly gather on the 
leaves and clog their pores, and as the plants have 
no way of breathing but through their leaves, you 
